ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has reiterated its call on ministers to press ahead with a 5p compulsory charge for single use carrier bags, amid reports that this will be included in today's Queens Speech.
ACS Public Affairs Director Shane Brennan said: "Compulsory carrier bag charging is a policy that works. It significantly reduces carrier bag usage, it saves retailers money and it generates money for good causes. We are pleased ministers are confirming their commitment to bring this in next year.
"However we remain convinced that the proposed exemption from the charge for small and medium sized business is unnecessary and unhelpful. We will continue to press ministers to make the 5p charge universal in England, as it is the case in the existing and proposed schemes in the rest of the United Kingdom.
